Health authorities in Central Nebraska urge people to not only protect themselves from West Nile Virus but also their horses.

The Central District Health Department based in Grand Island said that horses need to be properly vaccinated to protect them from the mosquito-borne disease.

On July 2, the department reported of the first human case of the West Nile virus for this year. The virus was likewise confirmed in mosquitoes in the area.

Nathan Eckhout, the health department's environmental health specialist said that although the number of mosquitoes is relatively low this time because of drier conditions, precautions should still be taken because of current activity of the virus in the area.

"This serves as a reminder for folks to take measures to prevent WNV infection in themselves and in their families, but also is a good reminder to make sure that horses are properly vaccinated," the Health Department said.

The department recommended that horse owners consult with their veterinarians regarding the use of vaccine. Vaccinations in horses are only effective if these are given prior to exposure to the disease. Vaccination requires two doses given three to six weeks apart.

Full protection develops four to six weeks after the second dose is administered.  A third dose, however, may sometimes be recommended. Boosters are needed and may vary depending on the infestation of mosquito in the area. It may take up to 12 weeks for the horse to have maximum resistance to the infection.

The West Nile virus is carried by infected birds and then transmitted to mosquitoes that bite these birds. The infection is then passed by mosquitoes to humans and animals. Veterinarian Keith Roehr said that livestock owners need to keep an eye out for the insects in standing water.

Infected horses may show symptoms that include muscle tremors, head tilt, lack of coordination, stumbling, partial paralysis and weakness of the limbs.  The disease can also result in death.

Most humans who get infected with the virus do not show symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms  and only a few get seriously ill when they get bitten by an infected mosquito . The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to experiencing serious symptoms.

Experts said that the best way to avoid West Nile virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes by observing precautions such as using insect repellent. 

Photo: Peter O'Connor | Flickr